A GLIMMER of hope has finally appeared on Zimbabwe's football landscape.
The recent provisional approval by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for the National Sports Stadium to host Category Two international matches is a welcome development and a testament to the proactive approach of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister Anselem Sanyatwe.
This is a moment to commend the minister for his swift and decisive action, given that he achieved in a matter of months what had stalled for years.
For too long, the country’s national teams and club representatives have been forced to play their “home” matches in foreign lands, a situation that not only created a negative perception but also denied players and fans the true advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
The prolonged closure of our stadiums since 2020 has been a source of national embarrassment.
While there were brief moments of provisional clearance during the COVID-19 era, a lasting solution seemed perpetually out of reach under the previous administration.
Sanyatwe, who assumed office in March and has declared himself a “man of action”, has lived up to his word.
In less than five months, he has overseen progress that has finally satisfied Caf to a level that allows for the hosting of Category Two matches. This is a significant milestone.
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It means that the country can now host the Caf Under-17 Cosafa Championship in September, a crucial youth tournament for the region. More importantly, it provides the much-needed lifeline to local clubs.
Simba Bhora, who are set to represent Zimbabwe in the Caf Champions League preliminary round against Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, will enjoy the real home advantage they deserve.
Their first-leg match in late September can now be played at the National Sports Stadium, a huge relief given that the were glaring at the prospect of having to find a venue outside the country, as had been the case for Zimbabwean teams in recent years.
This is a major boost for the club and its supporters.
While the Warriors may still have to play their senior international matches, like the crucial Fifa World Cup qualifiers, outside the country for now, this provisional approval is a crucial step in the right direction.
The ongoing renovations are yielding results. The commitment to bringing the stadium up to Category A standards, which allows it to host senior national team games, is a prospect that now feels more tangible than ever.
Sanyatwe’s leadership has demonstrated that with focused effort and political will, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.
This is more than just a win for football; it is a win for national pride and a signal that the government is serious about investing in and restoring the country's sporting infrastructure.
The road to full compliance is still ahead, but for the first time in a long time, the path is clear and the journey has begun in earnest.
